Preparing for pregnancy
Deciding to have a child is one of the grandest decisions a couple will ever make. Before embarking on this exciting journey, however, it's important to focus on the many things a couple can do to improve their chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Pre-conception counseling
If you have a medical problem, such as diabetes
Take your vitamins
Stay in shape
Education & support
Pre-conception counseling
Noting that it takes two to create a new life and to ensure optimum fertility — a healthy egg and sperm — Jeffry Komins, MD, chief of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County, encourages all couples to begin with pre-conception counseling. "Prior to getting pregnant, couples need to identify areas in their lifestyle, medical and family history that can affect the pregnancy. Preconception counseling can determine genetic vulnerabilities so potential problems can be identified; assess existing illnesses and their impact on pregnancy; identify lifestyle issues, such as alcohol, drugs, caffeine and nicotine, that influence the ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy, and help to determine and resolve fertility issues. All of which is critical to a healthy pregnancy."
Couples can avoid many potential complications if problems are addressed before a woman becomes pregnant. Wendy Martinez, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees, says: "A woman should begin with a check-up and carefully consider any medical problems she might have like diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease."
If you have a medical problem, such as diabetes
Women with medical problems can have healthy pregnancies as long as they receive prenatal care and are closely followed by their doctors. Alka Kohli, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Virtua Memorial, explains: "Depending on their medical condition, women may need additional testing, have adjustments made to their medication, see the doctor more often or have special treatments or procedures performed. The key to a successful pregnancy for such women is to closely follow the advice of their doctors. Often there is a team approach and more than one doctor involved in the care of the mother and fetus to help ensure a healthy outcome."
Dr. Komins says: "Women with diabetes should get their blood sugar under control prior to conception. This can help reduce the risk of birth defects and help prevent symptoms of diabetes from exacerbating during pregnancy. Women who have hypertension or thyroid problems need to have their doctor review medications they are currently taking to make sure they are safe during pregnancy." And don't forget to get a blood test to check immunity to viruses like rubella (German measles), and if necessary, getting vaccinated before becoming pregnant.
Take your vitamins
Women thinking about getting pregnant should increase their nutritional intake of necessary vitamins such as zinc, iron and calcium. Dr. Martinez suggests that "women take 400 to 800 milligrams of folic acid a day, since it is one of the few nutrients known to prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, a congenital anomaly affecting one in every 1,000 babies born in the United States." The Centers for Disease Control report that women taking a recommended daily dosage of folic acid can reduce their baby's risk of some types of birth defects by 50%. Women not getting enough folic acid may also increase their chance of miscarriage.
Stay in shape
Staying in good physical condition has an impact on a woman's ability to get pregnant and to have a healthy pregnancy. "Exercise helps promote strength, prepares the body for labor and keeps all people in good spirits," says Dr. Kohli. Exercising along with good nutrition helps improve circulation, steadies weight, boosts energy level, and helps achieve postpartum fitness much more quickly.
The smartest way to prepare for a healthy pregnancy is by planning and getting into optimum condition before getting pregnant. Prepare your body and mind for the nine-month period during which your baby develops. You'll not only look better during your pregnancy — you'll also feel better.
Education & support
Maternity services at Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County and Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees provide guidance and education as well as the total clinical support necessary for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Virtua's staff offers preconception counseling, management of high-risk pregnancies and genetic counseling including guidance and follow-up for any abnormality. Mothers can choose to deliver with an obstetrician or a midwife.
There is also the comfort of knowing that Virtua has both a neonatal intensive care unit and a special care unit for babies who may need some extra attention. The dedication and commitment of the delivery staff is the reason Virtua can celebrate more than 7,000 births each year. And, as most people know, practice makes perfect.
For a full list of prenatal and parenting classes, or for a free copy of Preparing for Baby, call toll-free 1-888-Virtua-3 (1-888-847-8823).